Veterans
At Grace and Mercy Funeral Service, we feel honored to serve our nation’s veterans and their families in their time of need. It would be our privilege to assist you in paying tribute to your loved one for their devoted and selfless dedication to our country.
Burial Flag - One United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces.
Reimbursement of Burial Expenses - For information on eligibility and the different levels of potential reimbursement, please review the Guide to VA Burial Allowances.
Headstones / Medallions - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.
** For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990 and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone, VA may also furnish a headstone or marker to supplement the graves or a Medallion to be affixed to a privately purchased headstone.
** Presidential Memorial Certificates - This is a certificate expressing the nation's recognition of the veteran's service. The veteran's name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the president.
** Burial in a VA National Cemetery - Includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a burial vault, and perpetual care.
Military Funeral Honors
What to Expect at a Military Funeral
- A military chaplain for family members.
- Flag Presentation Service by the chaplain of the American Legion.
- A Final Salute at the gravesite.
Full honor military funerals include all standard honors in addition to the following:
- Depending on their rank, general officers and flag officers receive an 16 gun salute.
- The US flag draped over the casket, and given to the next of kin following the service.
- The playing of Taps by a lone bugler or an audio recording.
Military funeral honors teams require at least 48 hours advanced notice and will require documentation to prove eligibility.
What is the Funeral Benefits for Veterans?
Burial Flag - One United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces.
Reimbursement of Burial Expenses - For information on eligibility and the different levels of potential reimbursement, please review the Guide to VA Burial Allowances.
Headstones / Medallions - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.
- For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990, and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone, VA may also furnish a headstone or marker to supplement the graves or a Medallion to be affixed to a privately purchased headstone.
- Presidential Memorial Certificates - This is a certificate expressing the nation's recognition of the veteran's service. The veteran's name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the president.
- Burial in a VA National Cemetery - Includes the gravesite, opening, and closing of the grave, a burial vault, and perpetual care.
Who is not eligible for Military Funeral Honors?
- Any person who was ordered to report to an induction station, but was not actually inducted into military service.
- Any person discharged from the Selected Reserve prior to completing one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service for reasons other than a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
- Any person convicted of a Federal or State capital crime sentenced to death or life imprisonment.
Additional Resources
Please visit the following links for detailed information about the options available for honoring service members and other aspects of military funerals:
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Click on Veteran Services and look underneath the Burials & Memorials heading.
- Veterans' Funeral and Burial Benefits. Helpful information from Veterans Affairs.
- Honoring Those Who Served. An explanation of the various types of honors available for military funerals.